Letter to Representative Udall in support of H.R. 545

The Honorable Tom Udall
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Udall,

I am writing on behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police to express our support for your bill, H.R. 545, the "Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007."

Methamphetamine abuse is a terrible scourge throughout this country, and it has damaged many lives, not just of those who used and manufactured the drugs, but others, like children, whose parents were users or who lived in or near the clandestine labs where this drug is or was produced. Last year, with the FOP's strong support, Congress enacted the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. The Act authorized funding for three important grant programs within the U.S. Department of Justicethe Hot Spots Program administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COP, the Drug-Endangered Children program, and the Pregnant and Parenting Women Offenders program.

Although Indian tribes and territories were included as eligible grant recipients under the Pregnant and Parenting Women Offenders program, they were inadvertently left out as possible grant recipients under the COPS Hot Spots Program and the Drug-Endangered Children Program. Your legislation would make Indian tribes and territories eligible to apply for and receive funding under all three grant programs. The problem of methamphetamine abuse and production affects all of communities and we strongly support expanding these programs.

I also want to thank you for meeting with Colorado State Lodge President and National Executive Board Member Frank Gale to discuss this important issue with him. The Fraternal Order of Police has always been concerned about the spread of methamphetamine usage in this country and we appreciate you taking the time to discuss this issue with our membership.

On behalf of the more than 325,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to thank you for all of your help on this important issue. We will work with our allies in the Senate to ensure that your bill is considered by that body. Please do not hesitate to contact me, or Executive Director Jim Pasco, through our Washington office if we can be of any further assistance.